Just another comment... I would make sure to try and cast both if you can to see which you prefer but for what you are considering, I would say 8'9" all the way. Also keep in mind that any wide open stream or river with potential for a decent amount of wind will not agree with the finesse as I'm sure you might already be aware of.

Before you get rid of that 5wt. give it a go with something like a SA GPX line or even dare I say... a 6wt. line to see what you think first, if you haven't done so already. That is a good stick for certain situations like where you are chasing bigger fish in smaller, more confined streams or as a tailwater rod when you have to sometimes fight a good bit of wind.

Tight Lines,

Good point on the wind, as there is a good breeze sometimes at the Sipsey, that was my reason for looking at the BVK to round out my arsenal. The line I used on the Pro 5wt. was the GPX, and I have considered keeping the rod and trying a 6wt. bass taper for a lite bass and nymph/streamer rod. I have the first addition St.Croix Legend "Clouser" 8'9" 8wt. 2-pc. rod for bass and stippers, so the heavy end is covered.